Linthicum, MD, May 7, 2014 – The American Urological Association (AUA) is pleased to announce Carolyn Best, Ph.D. has joined the organization as the new Director of Research, effective May 7. As Director, Dr. Best will oversee the research goals and priorities for the Association.

With more than a decade of leading and supporting urology research programs, Dr. Best brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the urology research industry, including federal research and funding processes as well as various applied, basic, clinical and translational research protocols to her new role at the AUA.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Best join our growing organization,” said Michael T. Sheppard, CPA, CAE, Executive Director of the AUA. “She brings a great combination of knowledge of our industry and depth of expertise in leading all aspects of extramural biomedical research funding administration and management. The AUA is fortunate to have such a uniquely talented leader guiding its Department of Research.”

Dr. Best will be responsible for working with the AUA Research Council and physician volunteers to plan and implement activities aligned to the Association’s urology research and funding priorities. She will represent the AUA to government, medical and other organizations on matters of research as well as serve as liaison to all federal, non-federal and special interest patient groups to promote and preserve the interests of urologic research funding.

“Urology research is critical to moving our specialty forward,” said Johannes Vieweg, MD, AUA Research Chair. “Dr. Best’s understanding of the federal research process combined with her experience serving alongside National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and National Institutes of Health representatives on federal research initiatives will be an asset to the AUA and its Research Council as it continues to seek funding for urology research efforts and in helping many of our young investigators take the fight against urological disease to the frontiers of science.”

Dr. Best most recently served as program manager for the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program where she led and managed a multidisciplinary team to execute on all aspects of an $80 million appropriations budget for prostate cancer research. Dr. Best’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology from the College of William and Mary and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, with an emphasis in experimental pathology and cancer biology.

Please contact AUA Communications at 410-689-3932 or communications@AUAnet.org to schedule an interview with Dr. Carolyn Best, new AUA Director of Research.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 20,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.